Back Again - Happy New Year to Everyone

They say it can be a long time between drinks... so I guess you can say we've sobered up and looking forward to a super 2007.

First things first - although this is far from a news column - Matt & Michelle are engaged!!! Congratulations to you both.


We caught up with them recently on our Xmas trip to Melbourne. Elena got plenty of driving experience on the way there and way back. It was only 850km in each direction...


The themes haven't changed much since the last months of 2006, but at least the weather has.
We spent Xmas down in Melbourne with mum (Jan) and Emily (my sister). Em's pregnant and starting to look it. She's also been helping out the firefighters around her property during the fires. She's been lucky so far and escaped anything serious around her house.


While Em was working hard, we were trying to get across to see her. Unfortunately the road was closed, so we sat back on the other side of the mountains and had a glass or two in her honour!



We also met with Ian - Mum's bloke. A very good cook, never short of a humorous word and a joy to be around (Elena also said something about sex god, here, but I refuse to put such comments in a family blog).



Also down in Melbourne, I went to see a cricket game at the MCG. It was a great day - full of spectacle and atmosphere. This photo is of those noisy English fans (especially for Toby).


On New Years we went to a park in Bondi with a view down the harbour - and later went back to Paul and Maria's for a view into the city. The fireworks in Sydney were impressive this year - as impressive as the champagne which Paul and Maria cracked open to beckon in the new year. We had a great night, catching up with some friends and Paul & Maria's parents (Maria's had travelled from the States, and Paul's mum from Brisbane).


What's been happening in the last few months... too much!

In September/October we were in Europe for a few weeks for Katia's wedding. What a great night! It was super to catch up with so many friends at once. We then had a romantic weekend in Paris, and then back to Vienna, Singapore and then home.

Trip to Europe

During our time here we had a magnificent time staying with Steve and Louise , and a few days later with Arnout (vying for the title of BBQ king), Emmanuelle and Nelson. Then in Vienna we had a great surprise for Pilar - who didn't know Elena was coming, and then we stayed with our good friends Josch, Karin & Theo.


During October and November we did a course on "Changing Your Thinking" which basically helps you "re-frame" your perspective on difficult issues. The concept is also covered in the book written by the main lecturer Sarah Edelman - the synopsis can be found here.

We also went to a few concerts - U2, Kylie and Chris Isaak. The best of the lot (surprisingly) was Chris Isaak who engaged a lot with the crowd. It was held in a winery North of Sydney.


We've also got into camping - and have a 4 man tent which we've started to use enthusiastically. The first night was almost a disaster, when we arrived at the camping ground just in time for the sun to disappear. This meant spending 2 hours trying to put a new tent up in the darkness with a couple of torches and headlights of a car. At least it was memorable.


We've also been having a great time with friends here in Sydney (and Melbourne). I've been to Melbourne a few times, and some Melbournites have been venturing North. So the BBQ has had a good work out and is all ready to go for the Summer (which is just getting into swing here).

Following is a photo of elena's latest friends on the balcony...


Amongst other things we have been exploring many places in Sydney (both in the day and at night), checking out festivals around town (of which there is at least once a month), buying a new car, helping friends with projects and of course doing lots of work to regain our health and fitness. Elena has been the biggest star here, and is looking great. Unfortunately I injured my knee in October and needed it operated on During December. I still cannot run on it, but hope to be moving properly by mid February!

One of our resolutions is to keep this updated more often after our abysmal effort during the last quarter of last year. So keep checking again - I promise to improve!